Music Analysis: Harmony and Counterpoint Quizzes - Test Your Knowledge

Question 1

Which triad in the key of G major consists of the notes D, G, and B?

Accepted Answer

G major triad in first inversion

Answer

G minor triad in root position

Answer

D minor triad in first inversion

Answer

B minor triad in second inversion

Question 2

Which chord is a major triad in first inversion?

Accepted Answer

C/E

Answer

C major

Answer

C/G

Answer

Em

Question 3

Which chord type is not a member of the seventh chord family?

Accepted Answer

Suspended seventh

Answer

Dominant seventh

Answer

Major seventh

Answer

Minor seventh

Question 4

In the key of C major, which of the following chords is not a diatonic triad?

Accepted Answer

F# diminished

Answer

C major

Answer

G minor

Answer

D minor

Question 5

Which chord is NOT an inversion of a seventh chord?

Accepted Answer

Augmented sixth chord (aug6)

Answer

First inversion (I6)

Answer

Second inversion (II6)

Answer

Third inversion (III6)

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a valid inversion of a seventh chord?

Accepted Answer

Suspended inversion

Answer

First inversion

Answer

Second inversion

Answer

Third inversion

Question 7

Which of the following chords has four different notes, making it not a triad?

Accepted Answer

C major 6

Answer

C major

Answer

C minor

Answer

C diminished

Question 8

Which harmonic progression is commonly used to end musical phrases in Bach's chorales?

Accepted Answer

I - V - I

Answer

IV - I - V

Answer

V - I - IV

Answer

I - IV - V

Question 9

In a V7 chord in root position, what is the typical melodic resolution for the leading-tone?

Accepted Answer

Up a semitone to the tonic

Answer

Down a semitone to the submediant

Answer

Up a third to the mediant

Answer

Down a fifth to the dominant

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a type of seventh chord?

Accepted Answer

Augmented sixth chord

Answer

Dominant seventh chord

Answer

Minor seventh chord

Answer

Half-diminished seventh chord

Question 11

Which cadence resolves to the tonic triad in root position?

Accepted Answer

Authentic cadence

Answer

Plagal cadence

Answer

Half cadence

Question 12

In a C major triad in root position, what interval is formed between the root and the third?

Accepted Answer

Major third

Answer

Minor third

Answer

Perfect fourth

Answer

Diminished fifth

Question 13

In the key of G major, which chord provides the appropriate resolution for a V7 chord in first inversion?

Accepted Answer

I6

Answer

ii6

Answer

IV6

Answer

vi6

Question 14

In two-part invertible counterpoint, which technique ensures smooth voice-leading when the voices switch positions?

Accepted Answer

Contrary motion

Answer

Harmonic parallelism

Answer

Voice crossing

Answer

Imitative counterpoint

Question 15

In tonal music, retrograde motion is a technique that involves playing a melody:

Accepted Answer

Backwards, starting from the last note

Answer

Backwards, starting from the first note

Answer

Upwards, starting from the lowest note

Answer

Downwards, starting from the highest note

Question 16

In retrograde motion, which technique generates a unique melodic pattern by reversing the sequence of notes?

Accepted Answer

Playing the melody backwards, from its end to its start

Answer

Repeating the melody multiple times without any changes

Answer

Playing the melody with varying rhythms but identical pitches

Answer

Playing the melody in a different key or transposition

Question 17

In a contrapuntal composition, which melodic line serves as the main foundation from which other lines are created?

Accepted Answer

Cantus firmus

Answer

Counterpoint

Question 18

In a three-part texture, which principle prevents parallel perfect fifths between the two upper voices?

Accepted Answer

Avoidance of Parallel Perfect Fifths

Answer

Rule of Contrary Motion

Answer

Harmonic Tritone Avoidance

Answer

Simultaneous Contrary Motion

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a technique used for modulation?

Accepted Answer

Parallel fifths

Answer

Pivot chords

Answer

Chromatic mediants

Answer

Secondary dominants

Question 20

In conventional four-part counterpoint, which voice often carries the main melody?

Accepted Answer

Soprano

Answer

Alto

Answer

Tenor

Answer

Bass

Question 21

Which interval is considered a perfect interval?

Accepted Answer

Unison

Answer

Major third

Answer

Minor seventh

Answer

Augmented fourth

Question 22

Identify the musical style known for its use of extended harmonies and chromaticism:

Accepted Answer

Impressionism

Answer

Neoclassicism

Answer

Romanticism

Answer

Minimalism

Question 23

Identify the musical device that involves repeating a melodic or harmonic pattern at different pitch levels:

Accepted Answer

Sequence

Answer

Transposition

Answer

Modulation

Answer

Variation

Question 24

Which type of counterpoint involves imitating one melodic line with another at a different pitch level?

Accepted Answer

Canonical

Answer

Cantus firmus

Answer

Invertible

Answer

Stretto

Question 25

How does the harmonic progression in the opening bars of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 contribute to the form and structure of the first movement?

Accepted Answer

It builds tension and anticipation, supporting the sonata form's structure.

Answer

It sets the key and introduces the main melody.

Answer

It provides closure and stability, ending the movement harmonically.

Question 26

Which harmonic progression typically precedes a half cadence?

Accepted Answer

Cadential six-four chord

Answer

Neapolitan sixth chord

Answer

Chromatic mediant relationship

Answer

Andalusian cadence

Question 27

What term describes a chord built on the submediant with an augmented sixth interval?

Accepted Answer

An augmented sixth chord built on the submediant

Answer

A diminished seventh chord built on the dominant

Answer

A major seventh chord built on the tonic

Answer

A minor seventh chord built on the supertonic

Question 28

What is the term for a scale that spans an octave and contains only five different pitches?

Accepted Answer

Pentatonic scale

Answer

Hexatonic scale

Answer

Heptatonic scale

Answer

Octatonic scale

Question 29

In counterpoint, which technique involves two voices moving in the same direction?

Accepted Answer

Parallel motion

Answer

Contrary motion

Answer

Oblique motion

Answer

Imitation

Question 30

What is the primary purpose of a suspension in counterpoint?

Accepted Answer

To create tension through dissonance

Answer

To enhance melodic interest

Answer

To simulate the sound of a plucked string

Answer

To obscure the harmonic progression

Question 31

In a four-part choral texture, which voice is the lowest?

Accepted Answer

Bass

Answer

Tenor

Answer

Alto

Answer

Soprano

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT a common technique used in musical form analysis?

Accepted Answer

Personal interpretation

Answer

Segmentation

Answer

Thematic identification

Answer

Harmonic analysis

Question 33

Which composer is renowned for their extensive use of chromaticism and dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Richard Wagner

Answer

Johann Sebastian Bach

Answer

Frédéric Chopin

Answer

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Question 34

Analyze the chord progression I - viio - V - I. Determine its key, cadence type, and any significant harmonic features or techniques used.

Accepted Answer

Key: C major; Cadence Type: Authentic Cadence; Notable Features: Chromatic mediant relationship between I and viio

Answer

Key: G major; Cadence Type: Plagal Cadence; Notable Features: Secondary dominant

Answer

Key: F major; Cadence Type: Imperfect Cadence; Notable Features: Parallel fifths between I and viio

Answer

Key: Bb major; Cadence Type: Deceptive Cadence; Notable Features: Augmented sixth chord (viio)

Question 35

Which type of chord progression typically leads to a sense of resolution on the tonic chord?

Accepted Answer

Authentic cadence

Answer

Plagal cadence

Answer

Deceptive cadence

Answer

Sequential cadence

Question 36

In a dominant seventh chord, which interval creates the dissonant sound?

Accepted Answer

Minor seventh

Answer

Minor second

Answer

Perfect fourth

Answer

Major ninth

Question 37

In a contrapuntal texture, which voice is typically the most prominent?

Accepted Answer

Cantus firmus

Answer

Countermelody

Answer

Ostinato

Answer

Duplex

Question 38

In sonata form, which section typically introduces the main theme?

Accepted Answer

Exposition

Answer

Development

Answer

Recapitulation

Answer

Coda

Question 39

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of tonal harmony?

Accepted Answer

Abundant use of chromaticism

Answer

Emphasis on a central tonic pitch

Answer

Use of chord progressions

Answer

Independent voice leading

Question 40

What is the term for the progression from tonic to subdominant to dominant chords?

Accepted Answer

Authentic cadence

Answer

Plagal cadence

Answer

Incomplete cadence

Answer

Deceptive cadence

Question 41

What is the term for a section of music that presents a contrasting theme or key?

Accepted Answer

Development

Answer

Exposition

Answer

Recapitulation

Answer

Coda

Question 42

What is the tritone interval?

Accepted Answer

An interval of six semitones

Answer

An interval of three whole tones

Answer

An interval of four half tones

Answer

An interval of eight semitones

Question 43

What is the term for the scale that forms the basis of most Western music?

Accepted Answer

Major scale

Answer

Minor scale

Answer

Chromatic scale

Answer

Pentatonic scale

Question 44

Which of the following is a cadential 6/4 chord?

Accepted Answer

V6/4

Answer

I6/4

Answer

ii6/4

Answer

vii6/4

Question 45

In a fugue, the main theme is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Subject

Answer

Exposition

Answer

Development

Answer

Stretto

Question 46

Which of the following composers is known for their extensive use of chromaticism and dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Arnold Schoenberg

Answer

J.S. Bach

Answer

W.A. Mozart

Answer

Ludwig van Beethoven

Question 47

In Bach's 'Toccata and Fugue in D Minor', BWV 565, analyze the texture of the fugue section. Identify the different voices and explain how their interplay contributes to the piece's balance and impact.

Accepted Answer

The fugue showcases a polyphonic texture, with multiple independent voices that imitate and overlap, creating a complex soundscape.

Answer

The fugue features a monophonic texture, with a single melody played throughout.

Answer

The fugue displays a homophonic texture, with a main melody accompanied by supporting harmonies.

Answer

The fugue employs a heterophonic texture, with variations on a shared melody played simultaneously.

Question 48

Which of the following chords is a dominant seventh chord in the key of C major?

Accepted Answer

G7

Answer

Am

Answer

F

Answer

C

Question 49

In a two-voice contrapuntal texture, which voice typically provides the harmonic foundation?

Accepted Answer

Cantus firmus

Answer

Answer

Answer

Subject

Answer

Imitation

Question 50

In Roman numeral analysis, which symbol represents a diminished seventh chord?

Accepted Answer

vii°7

Answer

o7

Answer

-

Answer

7

Question 51

Which of the following composers is widely recognized as a master of both contrapuntal and harmonic techniques?

Accepted Answer

Johann Sebastian Bach

Answer

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Answer

Ludwig van Beethoven

Question 52

Which of the following is a basic triad in tonal harmony?

Accepted Answer

Root position triad

Answer

Seventh chord

Answer

Diminished triad

Answer

Sus4 chord

Question 53

In two-part counterpoint, which of the following intervals is considered a dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Minor second

Answer

Perfect fourth

Answer

Perfect fifth

Answer

Major third

Question 54

A melody that moves predominantly stepwise is known as:

Accepted Answer

Conjunct

Answer

Chromatic

Answer

Disjunct

Answer

Scalar

Question 55

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Baroque harmony?

Accepted Answer

Use of figured bass

Answer

Minimal use of counterpoint

Answer

Emphasis on dissonance

Answer

Frequent modulations

Question 56

A modulation to a key that is not closely related, such as from C major to Eb major, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Remote modulation

Answer

Parallel modulation

Answer

Chromatic modulation

Answer

Diatonic modulation

Question 57

A piece of music that follows the principles of sonata form typically consists of:

Accepted Answer

Exposition, development, and recapitulation

Answer

Prelude, fugue, and postlude

Answer

Verse, chorus, and bridge

Answer

Introit, Kyrie, and Gloria

Question 58

Which chord in the progression I - IV - V is in root position?

Accepted Answer

I

Answer

V

Answer

IV

Answer

II

Question 59

In counterpoint, which technique involves moving two or more voices in the same direction?

Accepted Answer

Parallel motion

Answer

Retrograde motion

Answer

Oblique motion

Answer

Contrary motion

Question 60

Which type of cadence features a IV chord resolving to a I chord?

Accepted Answer

Plagal cadence

Answer

Authentic cadence

Answer

Half cadence

Answer

Deceptive cadence

Question 61

When analyzing a melody, what is the process of identifying its recurring musical ideas called?

Accepted Answer

Motivic analysis

Answer

Formal analysis

Answer

Rhythmic analysis

Answer

Harmonic analysis

Question 62

What is the Roman numeral representation for the dominant chord of the dominant?

Accepted Answer

V of V

Answer

V of II

Answer

VII of IV

Question 63

What is the term for a contrapuntal technique where one voice imitates another at a different pitch level?

Accepted Answer

Canon

Answer

Round

Answer

Fugue

Answer

Invention

Question 64

In tonal harmony, a diminished seventh chord is constructed from a:

Accepted Answer

Diminished triad with a flattened seventh

Answer

Minor triad with a major seventh

Answer

Augmented triad with a major seventh

Answer

Major triad with a minor seventh